MADRID (AP) — Spain's Queen Letizia and Emeritus Queen Sofia have appeared smiling and chatting together in public days after an apparent spat sparked speculation of a rift between the royals.

Queen Letizia opened the door for her mother-in-law Saturday when they arrived in a car driven by King Felipe VI at a Madrid hospital to visit Emeritus King Juan Carlos, after his operation to replace the prosthesis of his right knee.

The hospital visit came after days of criticism of Queen Letizia, following a video that went viral of her apparently impeding an Easter Sunday photo opportunity for her mother-in-law with Letizia's two daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia.

Spain's Royal House is trying to rebuild its image after King Felipe's brother-in-law was found guilty of tax evasion and fraud last year.